Role of zirconium diboride particles on microstructure and wear behaviour of AA7075 in situ aluminium matrix composites at elevated temperature

The present research work examines the impact of temperature on the dry sliding wear behaviour of AA7075 aluminium strengthened zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) particulate composite (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 wt.%). The dry sliding wear behaviour of the AMCs was inspected utilizing a pin-on-disc machine at differing temperatures (40, 60, 120, 180 and 240°C). The wear resistance of AMCs improved with the increased substance of ZrB₂ particulates at all test temperatures. The worn surface of the AMC pins was described utilizing FESEM. It was found from the SEM micrographs of worn surface, that at different temperatures, adhesion and metal flow were the prime wear process of the AA7075 composites, while for in situ formed AMCs, metal stream and oxidation were the factors affecting the wear process. The worn surface of the AMCs showed that there was a modification in wear component from abrasive wear to metal flow.